CCV Not Following Own Values

If John Fox's editorial is accurate with all of the facts ("Publicity Stunt Targets CityBeat," issue of June 11), what Citizens for Community Values (CCV) has done deeply saddens me. It specifically says on the group's Web page that CCV exists to promote Judeo-Christian moral values and to reduce destructive behaviors contrary to those values through education, active community partnership and individual empowerment at the local, state and national levels.

If they're trying to promote Judeo-Christian moral values, they should practice them themselves and live by them as well. They had a problem with CityBeat and didn't go to CityBeat directly but went to others with the problem.

That's not a Judeo-Christian value. In the New Testament -- something CCV would use if they were trying to promote Judeo-Christian values -- in the book of Matthew chapter 18 verses 15-20, Jesus teaches that if we have a problem with a brother to go to that brother directly to talk it out, and then if the brother doesn't listen you take witnesses with you to talk to that brother. CCV did not do that.

CityBeat was never given a chance to discuss anything with them. Now, they might say since CityBeat is not a brother they don't have to follow those scriptures with you.

First of all, how do they you're not a brother? Are they judging you? Secondly, what about the Christian "Golden Rule" to "do unto other as you would have them do unto you?" CCV wouldn't want someone attacking them behind their backs, so they shouldn't be doing that to anyone else.

CCV also says they want to reduce destructive behaviors. Well, they acted in a destructive way. They're not trying to build up, uplift or improve. They're trying to accomplish something in a very destructive manner.

What about the active community partnership CCV promotes in their mission? CityBeat is part of the community they have a problem with, and they don't include you as part of the community.

CityBeat's adult ads might be right, and they might be wrong. It doesn't matter what CCV says in regards to this, though. They don't even have enough character and integrity to follow their own beliefs and stances.

I'm reminded about another New Testament teaching: Perhaps CCV should get the plank out of their own eyes before they get the speck of dust out of your eyes.

-- Scott Horstmeier, Cincinnati

Child Sex Abuse Is Tragic
Thank you so much for Margo Pierce's article on family violence ("Ohio's Silent Epidemic," issue of June 11). The numbers are truly epidemic in their proportions, and Pierce is absolutely correct: If that many children died as a result of lead poisoning, we'd be bending over backwards to bring it to a halt.

It's imperative that the public be made aware of the prevalence of child sexual abuse: One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before age 18; most never tell. There are currently approximately 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the U.S. More than 67 percent of all sexual assault victims are under 18. One in seven victims of sexual assault reported to law enforcement agencies is younger than 6. Family members and acquaintances account for 90 percent of child sexual abuse.